France, Spain, England and Argentina reach 2026 World Cup semifinals
France became the first team to book a semifinal place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, beating Morocco 2-0 on Thursday in Boston. Kylian Mbappé won a penalty in the first half, but Yassine Bounou saved it and the sides went into the break level at 0-0.
France broke through after the interval, with Mbappé scoring a stunning strike and Ousmane Dembélé adding a second as Mbappé’s movement pulled defenders away. France now waits for the winner of Friday’s Spain against Belgium match.
Spain edge Belgium late
Spain and Belgium were tied for most of their quarterfinal until Mikel Merino struck just before stoppage time. Fabián Ruiz put Spain ahead in the 30th minute, and Charles De Ketelaere equalized for Belgium in the 41st.
Merino pounced on a rebound allowed by backup keeper Senne Lammens, who replaced Thibaut Courtois after the Belgium captain appeared to suffer a knock in the 67th minute. The goal came days after Merino also came off the bench to score the winner against Portugal.
England end long semifinal wait
Jude Bellingham scored twice as England reached the World Cup semifinals for the first time since 2018 and only the fourth time in the team’s history. Andreas Schjelderup gave Norway a 1-0 lead late in the first half before Bellingham equalized moments later.
Bellingham’s first goal drew debate after a Norwegian goal kick struck the FIFA skycam cable, though no review followed. His second came early in extra time, and England held on to face the winner of Saturday night’s Argentina versus Switzerland match.
Argentina survive Swiss red card
Argentina advanced after a 10th-minute goal from Alexis Mac Allister was answered by Dan Ndoye for Switzerland in the 67th minute. Breel Embolo then received a second yellow card following contact with Leandro Paredes, who was initially booked as well.
Referee Joao Pinheiro reviewed the incident and ruled there was “clear simulation” on Embolo’s part, upgrading Paredes’s card and sending Embolo off. Down to ten men, Switzerland forced extra time, but Julián Álvarez restored Argentina’s lead with a long-range strike and Lautaro Martínez added a late insurance goal.